Tuesday, 29 April 2014

Dogs Trust to fund the search for gene/s for Syringomyelia and painful Chiari-Malformation in Cavaliers.

Dogs Trust Canine Welfare
have awarded University of Surreya
grant of over £138,500 to fund the ‘Identification
of gene(s) predisposing to syringomyelia associated with Chiari-like
malformation in the Cavalier King Charles.

Dogs Trust wish to stress that the fundamental aim of all grants submitted must be centred on a solutions-based approach to conditions in dogs with a genetic underpinning and serious welfare implications.Dr Clare
Rusbridge, Reader in Neurology, will head up the research in collaboration with
Dr Zoha Kibar in Montreal UniversityCHUM
research centre. It follows the success that identified two novel genomic regions in the Griffon Bruxellous breed. (see
paper)

The team used an approach calledQualitative Trait Locus (QTL) analysis which involved linking two
types of information – phenotypic data (trait measurements) and genotypic data
(usually molecular markers) in an attempt to explain the genetic basis of
variation. (see
paper) The research is not invasive and does not require a Home Office licence. The new funding will allow this powerful technique to be repeated in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel breed with a view
to finding a genetic cause for both painful CM and Syringomeylia. Not only may
it help dogs and breeders, but it might also help improve understanding of the
condition in humans and lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options.”